Lily’s Kitchen launches new mental health initiative partnering LGBTQ+ charity

Pet food brand Lily’s Kitchen has announced the launch of a ‘Walk & Talk’ service this summer to support LGBTQ+ communities during Pride month and beyond.

As part of its new ongoing partnership with MindOut, a Brighton-based mental health service run specifically for, and by, LGBTQ+ communities, Lily’s Kitchen will help pet parents from the communities come together to connect through their love of four-legged friends.

The brand said the new mental health support intervention will encourage LGBTQ+ folks to come together in nature, and if they wish, to talk about their mental health and wellbeing. The walks will be attended by MindOut service users, with support from the charity’s staff, and frontline volunteers.

The initiative, as well as other vital support services offered by the charity, will be funded through sales of the Lily’s Kitchen new Limited-Edition Love & Pride recipes for dogs and cats, 100 per cent of profits from which will be donated to MindOut.

The positive impact our four-legged friends have on mental health is well documented – a recent study even showed that 71 per cent of pet owners report feeling happier because of their pets. What’s more, new insights from the Lily’s Kitchen ‘Pride Pack’ – a panel of dedicated LGBTQ+ pet owners – found this to be even more poignant for pet parents from communities, who say that pets provide them with – often much needed – unconditional, unprejudiced love.

With research revealing that over 80 per cent of LGBTQ+ pet parents felt closer to their pet than some members of their family, and three quarters feeling their pet has helped them get through LGBTQ+-related stressors (including anxiety, rejection, bias discrimination and microaggressions from family and peers), it is hoped that engaging with the communities through their beloved pets will help MindOut reach even more people in need of support than ever before.

“Pets love us for who we are, wholeheartedly and unconditionally. Our society is made richer by its wonderfully diverse community and we believe that all differences should be celebrated,” Samantha Crossley, marketing director at Lily’s Kitchen, commented.

“In the same way a pet loves their owner with pride and without prejudice, we want to share this message of limitless love and support a cause close to our hearts. That’s why we’ve launched our Limited-Edition Love & Pride recipes for dogs and cats and are donating 100 per cent of profits to MindOut to help support LGBTQ+ communities.”

Erica Thornton, interim chief executive of MindOut, said: “We’re thrilled to be launching our new ‘Walk & Talk’ service this summer as part of our mental health support interventions and funded by Lily’s Kitchen.

“We know from speaking with our service users that feelings of isolation and a lack of confidence are all too common factors experienced among the LGBTQ+ communities we support, but we also know what a support line pets can be for people feeling this way. They provide unconditional love and are true companions. So, our hope is that by providing a safe, supported environment people can connect with fellow LGBTQ+ pet parents and improve their wellbeing by being outdoors in nature with their furry friend.”

The first Walk & Talk will be held on 23 July in Brighton. Those hoping to attend should register their interest by emailing enquiries@mindout.org.uk.